George Linde to replace Keshav Maharaj for Ranchi Test

South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj sustained an injury to his right shoulder while fielding on day two of the second match against India

Left-arm spinner George Linde is yet to make his Test debut.

Keshav Maharaj, who sustained a shoulder injury on the second day of the second Test, has been ruled out of the third Test in Ranchi.

According to a statement issued by Cricket South Africa, left-arm spinner, George Linde will replace Maharaj.

On Friday, Maharaj underwent a scan and was available for play on Saturday, scoring his first Test half-century.  

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But a  re-assessment ahead of the start of play this morning along with MRI results revealed that he will not be fit in time to play in the final Test match.

“An MRI scan revealed that Keshav has sustained an injury to a muscle in his right shoulder which was strapped in order for him to bat yesterday. He was re-assessed this morning, particularly with regards to bowling, and he showed significant discomfort in this latter discipline,” team doctor Ramjee Hashendra commented.

“Based on this morning’s assessment and the findings of the scan, the medical team feels, he will not be fit in time for the next Test match in six days’ time. The nature and extent of the injury would mean that he will probably return to play in 14 to 21 days based on his progress during the rehabilitation phase.”

The third Test begins in Ranchi next Saturday.